Visitors to 600-year-old temple prohibited from wearing traditional garment following problems caused by those prioritizing cool social media photos over basic manners.

Seiraiin is a temple in Kyoto’s Gion district, founded some 600 years ago and known for its beautiful garden and dynamic white dragon painting on the ceiling of its main hall. Ordinarily, its traditional aesthetics would make it a perfect place to visit on a day of sightseeing while dressed in a kimono.

However, Seiraiin recently announced that would-be visitors wearing kimono are prohibited from entering the temple grounds.

▼ Seiraiin’s white dragon painting, which visitors are encouraged to view by lying on the tatami reed flooring and looking up at it

The reason for the unexpected policy, announced in July, is one that’s becoming all too common in Kyoto: bad-mannered tourists. The temple says that it has been experiencing problems with people coming to take elaborate and invasive photos on the temple grounds. In addition to making it difficult for other visitors to use the temple’s facilities as intended (as a place to offer prayers and appreciate its art), the temple says there have been multiple instances of visitors entering restricted areas and causing damage to the temple while posing for photos, such as stepping into a raked rock garden or opening up a sliding door without permission and damaging it in the process.

None of the damage was caused as a direct result of wearing kimono, and the temple has said that its complaint is not with the practice itself of wearing the garment. However, the proportion of problematic photo-takers who wear kimono is large enough that the temple has apparently concluded that banning such attire is a necessary precaution against visitors for feel the importance of getting a cool photo of themselves to post on social media trumps being polite or preserving a cultural site.

In addition to kimono, Seiraiin also established a rule prohibiting the wearing of “Japanese-style clothing” and “costumes.” This doesn’t appear to have been a snap decision, either. Seiraiin is one of a number of sub-temples located within the perimeter of Kenninji Temple, which itself posted a statement on its website in November of last year reminding visitors that “Our temple is not a photo studio, theme park, or similar facility,” and that visitors displaying impolite or inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave.

The situation ties into many different points about Japanese cultural traditions and their places in modern society. To start with, Japan has no taboos against non-Japanese people wearing kimono, and most locals are happy to see foreigners taking a participatory interest in the country’s customs. It’s also largely understood and accepted that those with an interest in classical Japanese fashion often enjoy other traditional aesthetics as well, which is why kimono rental shops are often found in cities and neighborhoods with historic quarters, such as Kyoto. And while Japan’s temples are, of course, religious institutions, even many Japanese visitors are drawn to them for their picturesque qualities or historic significance more than out of spiritual fervor. Many temples embrace the photogenic nature of their appeal, including Seiraiin, which has spaces where visitors can enjoy refreshments while looking out over its garden.

However, if there’s one rule that supersedes all others in Japanese culture, it’s to be considerate of others, and it’s a clear violation of that to treat a temple like it’s your private rented-out photo spot.

Seiraiin appears to be the only temple so far to have instituted a no-kimono rule, but with overtourism being something on the mind of just about every noteworthy destination in Kyoto, no doubt others are watching to see the results. Hopefully, if and when the situation improves, Seiraiin will feel comfortable walking back the restriction, but for now, this is a reminder for all travelers to avoid acting like selfish jerks and ruining things for everyone else.

Source: BengoshiJP News via Livedoor News, Kenninji
Top image: Pakutaso
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